How much money Kyogo earns a week at Birmingham City as surprise Celtic return looms | OneFootball

The Japanese striker has been linked with a surprise return to Parkhead

Reports have emerged that Birmingham City striker, Kyogo Furuhashi, could be set to return to his former club, Celtic, as Martin O'Neill prepares to take charge of the Glasgow giants for the remainder of the Scottish Premiership season.

It has been a dismal first six months at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park for the Japanese forward, who has continuously been the subject of immense criticism and frustration from Bluenoses, largely down to his inability to find the net since his signing was confirmed in the first week of July.

Indeed, his current misfortune has largely epitomised how Blues' transfer business over the summer transfer window has panned out, with multiple changes potentially in the offing between now and the winter window deadline of 7PM on February 2nd.

Birmingham are currently 14th in the Championship table, with a statement victory at St. Andrew's against league leaders and West Midlands rivals, Coventry City, last time out, ending a previously dire run of seven games without victory, which, in turn, only turned up the heat on manager Chris Davies, although reports have since emerged that the former Bhoys assistant is under no danger of receiving his P45 from Tom Wagner - the frontman of Knighthead Capital Management.

Yet, whilst Blues have endured an inconsistent season as they look to eventually return to the Premier League for the first time since May 2011, their campaign pales in comparison in terms of drama to that of the Hoops, who are in serious danger of losing their status as champions for the first time since 2020/21.

Indeed, Davies' former Swansea City, Liverpool, Leicester City and Celtic colleague, Brendan Rodgers, resigned in late October, before his replacement, Wilfried Nancy, was sacked after just eight games, with his final straw being a 3-1 capitulation against Old Firm rivals, Rangers, at Parkhead.

Martin O'Neill, who previously led Blues' own bitter rivals, Aston Villa, has since been named as interim manager - for a second time - until the end of the campaign, and it has emerged that Kyogo, who has been the subject of heavy reunion links in recent months, could be set for a return to his former club.

It has been well-documented that Blues parted with a £10m sum to secure his services from Stade Rennais last summer. However, Football League World have looked into what the 30-year-old's reported earnings are in the Second City amid a recent round of intriguing developments.

How much money Kyogo Furuhashi earns in wages at Birmingham City amid Celtic FC reunion talk

In his first spell with the Bhoys under Ange Postecoglou, Kyogo became one of the most-feared strikers in Europe with a remarkable record that saw him reach a total of 85 goals and 19 assists in just 165 appearances, winning the Scottish Premiership on four occasions.

However, his current misfortune in front of goal can certainly be traced back to this time last year, when he left the Glasgow club in a £10m switch to Rennes, where he made just six appearances without scoring, before the Brittany club were still able to recoup all of the aforementioned sum as Davies secured his services on a three-year deal at St. Andrew's.

Despite his age and recent poor form, not many questioned Blues' decision to hand out the aforementioned contract, and they would replicate such a deal when acquiring Kyogo's striking compatriot, Marvin Ducksch, from Werder Bremen.

After seeing a stunning lob on his league debut against Ipswich Town ruled out for a foul on Jacob Greaves, the 23-time international netted his first Blues goal days later with a simple tap-in against Sheffield United in the EFL Cup first round.

However, since then, a decline in form and a total of 12 big chances missed has seen Kyogo reduced to just seven starts across 23 league appearances, with it being reported that Celtic are interested in striking a loan deal, although they may face difficulties.

As per a report from the Scottish Herald which outlines two major stumbling blocks, the publication states that Furuhashi is earning £40,000 per week on Tom Wagner's payroll.

Based on Capology ESTIMATES, still makes him Blues' highest earner despite the aforementioned claim of an even greater salary being collected, whilst Give Me Sport have issued the thoughts of Chris Davies regarding such speculation.

“We’ve had no discussions at the moment about anything other than Kyogo giving his best and doing his best for Birmingham City," said Davies.

“Personally, I think he’s going to stay here and potentially battle through whatever comes in front of him.”

Celtic FC would be taking a risk on Kyogo Furuhashi despite previous Parkhead exploits

Despite his previous exploits north of the border, links with a reunion for Kyogo are proving extremely divisive amongst the Celtic fanbase.

Benjamin Nygren is currently the club's top scorer with eight, although it is clear they are eyeing up further reinforcements.

With the best spell of his career coming in the Scottish Premiership, it is understandable why some Hoops supporters are welcoming the deal, whilst others are seeing it as a risk, with Kyogo shot of confidence in front of goal, despite the work-rate he provides.

As such, it remains to be seen if a deal can be struck that benefits all parties.